Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVI, Issue 1
Written by Costel VÎNĂTORU, Adrian PETICILĂ, Matilda POPESCU, Bianca MUȘAT, Camelia BRATU, Cristian ȘOMOIAG
PGRB Buzau focused on acclimatization and breeding of new species that can be grown as vegetable crops in Romania. Since 2010, the Bank's specialists have been studying the species Cymbopogon citratus, accumulating a valuable genetic resource. Two genotypes with distinct phenotypic expressiveness have been genetically stabilized, G1 with strong anthocyanin coloration at leaves base and G2, the subject of this study has the entire plant with light green leaves. It was found that in greenhouse the species can be grown as a perennial and in the field, due to negative temperatures over winter, it requires protection or annual establishment of the crop. In terms of quantitative characters expressiveness, significantly higher values were recorded in the greenhouse, the maximum green mass yield obtained being 4182 g/plant of which 45% represents the production of edible stems. The species can be successfully cultivated both in greenhouse and in the field in Romania. No diseases or pests have been found to affect the crop and the species is appreciated for its strong lemon aroma and multiple uses as ornamental, medicinal, aromatic.
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